On 18-19 September 2023, the Council of Europe Economic Crime and Cooperation Division organised a workshop for judges, investigators, prosecutors and financial intelligence practitioners from Azerbaijan, with the aim of strengthening their understanding and exchanging views on how to effectively tackle money laundering and confiscate criminal proceeds. Participants shared their experience regarding challenges faced during the prosecution and processing of money laundering offences and confiscation of proceeds linked with different forms of financial crimes.  

Through discussions and practical exercises, practitioners could also exchange their views and expertise on the collection and analysis of evidence, the prosecution process and the reasoning of court decisions in money laundering cases. The workshop highlighted the role of inter-agency cooperation between the financial intelligence unit, law enforcement authorities and the judiciary system, as well as the importance of respecting fundamental rights in criminal investigations and judicial proceedings in compliance with the core principles of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Simulations of fictional scenarios based on local and international realities allowed the practitioners to test and foster strategies and practices with the aim of better tackling money laundering cases, leading to a more effective recovery of assets from criminal activities. Mechanisms for effective freezing, seizure and confiscation were discussed as tools to deter criminal activities, depriving criminals of illicit profits. Furthermore, the discussions highlighted the importance of beneficial ownership transparency in the global fight against economic crime. 

This initiative was undertaken pursuant to the request of the Academy of Justice of the Ministry of Justice to support the training programme for judges and prosecutors. It underpins national authorities in the prevention and combatting of money laundering, thereby also contributing to the ongoing judicial reforms in the country. These interventions notably complement the country’s efforts to enhance the efficiency and accountability of the judicial system.

This event is part of the European Union and the Council of Europe joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in the framework of the project on “Preventing and fighting economic crime in Azerbaijan”.